Wednesday, December 3, 2025

IWSG: December 2025


 It really can't be the last post of 2025. Where did the year go? But it is the first Wednesday of the last month of the year and that means IWSG montly blog hop. As usual, thank you to Alex J. Cavanaugh and all the IWSG admins for all they do which is a lot. Please visit as many blogs as you can on this list.

This month's optional question:

As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?

I'm so fortunate. I've received so many great gifts over the years. The gift I needed most was a new laptop and there has been a few of those over the years. Coolest gift and most unexpected may have been the Ipad 13 one of my sons gave me last year for my birthday. And my children have given me so many great journals over the years, I don't know if I'll ever use them all. President Dan Arndt of Pennwriters gifted me a cool piece of art in thanks for doing so much work for the group and that livens up my writing space. Pennwriters also gifted me with a plague and a Meritorious Service Award a few years ago.  But the very best/coolest gift of all is the support my husband, children, and friends have given me over the years as I stagger along this writing journey.

Love the giver more than the gift. Brigham Young

I hope you have some great things planned for the upcoming holiday season. We have our usual family Christmas gathering on the 24th. I'm so grateful that all six of our children and our two grandchildren will be in attendance this year. It's my favorite day of the year. I wish I could gift all of you with the same joy and peace we'll share that day. If you are traveling, I pray for your safety.

"At Christmas, all roads lead home." Marjorie Holmes

In the meantime, I hope you're making plans for 2026. I'll share mine with you next month.

What terrific gifts have you received relating to your writing life? Are you traveling for the holidays? Are you making plans for 2026?

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. 


16 comments:

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Merry Christmas!! I hope your New Year is your best ever.

Natalie Aguirre said...

A laptop is an awesome gift. I also received one from my late husband and sister. Happy Holidays!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I know how much work you've put into Pennwriters so I'm glad they recognize that. I also have more journals than I will ever use.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Support is the best - we need it!
No travels. Just staying home and enjoying some down time.
Merry Christmas!

Liza said...

A laptop would certainly be a welcome gift. I agree with you though, the gift of family is the best. Wishing you much joy over the holiday season!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

You are so right in that encouragement and support from family and friends truly is the best gift. :)

Happy Holidays, Susan!

Liza said...

I commented earlier but it appears not to have stuck. I agree that family is the best part of the holidays. This year will be different for my daughter and me, as our surrounding family will be away. It will be a quiet day but we will do our best!

Crystal Collier said...

Support. For sure the best gift. I love the reminder and what a blessing to have all of your children home for Christmas! I hope it's the best one ever!

Jenni said...

Merry Christmas! It sounds like you have a lovely day planned. And I so agree that the support of family and friends is the best gift of all! I also have a lot of journals. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

I don't know how I forgot to mention journals as gifts... but I love that so many have mentioned them. All I could think about were conversations I've had recently and books to read when I wrote my post.
Merry Christmas!

cleemckenzie said...

I loved the quotes! Here's to a wonderful holiday season filled with generous gift givers.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Susan! Support is an awesome gift I hope you have the best Christmas celebration ever. There is nothing like family!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Happy Holidays! A laptop is a great gift.

Sarah Foster said...

Having support is definitely a great gift. Hope you have a great Christmas!

messymimi said...

Happy Holidays! It sounds like you've received some amazing gifts over the years. I pray you have a blessed and beautiful Christmas.

Nick Wilford said...

You've received some great gifts. Of course family is the best gift and it sounds like you're blessed. Have a wonderful Christmas.